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Eastern Ecological Science Center

The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (EESC) strives to provide world-class science to inform natural resource decisions that preserve and enhance our quality of life. 

The land and water we live on and around shapes our lives. We share responsibility for the heathy fish, wildlife and landscapes that are assets to current and future generations.

EESC works directly with managers of our shared natural resources to provide the unbiased scientific tools, research and innovations needed to make informed decisions in today’s complex and rapidly changing conditions.

EESC’s broad expertise spans from mountain streams to deep oceans and the lands in between, supporting stewardship of a wide range of species and habitats.

Unique facilities in Maryland, Massachusetts and West Virginia help EESC deliver the reliable, actionable science that partners need to effectively conserve our treasured natural resources.

Our Research Portfolio

EESC's Latest Findings

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News

EESC in the News: The Legacy of Patuxent

EESC in the News: The Legacy of Patuxent

EESC in the News: PFAS in Blue Catfish

EESC in the News: PFAS in Blue Catfish

Report urges more research on pesticides in Chesapeake Bay region

Report urges more research on pesticides in Chesapeake Bay region

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Publications

Stock composition of cryptic Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) in the Restigouche River and estuary, Canada Stock composition of cryptic Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) in the Restigouche River and estuary, Canada

The Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is an important species in eastern North America due to its conservation status and cultural significance. Local Mi'gmaw fishers have reported an increase in sturgeon sightings over the last decade in the Restigouche River and estuary. Mi’gmaw Knowledge, oral history, and archaeological finds attest to their historical presence in...
Authors
N.J. Daigle, Shannon L. White, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, David C. Kazyak, C.E. Verhille, C.A. Gillis, C.F.D. Sacobie
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Over, under, and through: Hydrologic connectivity and the future of coastal landscape salinization Over, under, and through: Hydrologic connectivity and the future of coastal landscape salinization

Seawater intrusion (SWI) affects coastal landscapes worldwide. Here we describe the hydrologic pathways through which SWI occurs - over land via storm surge or tidal flooding, under land via groundwater transport, and through watersheds via natural and artificial surface water channels—and how human modifications to those pathways alter patterns of SWI. We present an approach to advance...
Authors
Ashley Helton, James Dennedy-Frank, Ryan Emanuel, Scott C Neubauer, Kyra Adams, Marcelo Ardon, Lawrence Band, Kevin A. Befus, Hanne Borstlap, Jamie Duberstein, Adam Gold, Kominoski John, Alex Manda, Holly A. Michael, Stephen Moysey, Allison Myers-Pigg, Justine Annaliese Neville, Gregory Noe, Jeeban Panthi, Elnaz Pezeshki, Matthew Sirianni, Ward.Nicolas
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

MTAB 112, June 2025 MTAB 112, June 2025

This Memo to All Banders (MTAB 112) was released in June 2025. Subjects in this this memo are 1. The Chief’s Chirp; 2. Message from the Director of Eastern Ecological Science Center; 3. Staff Updates – celebrating Craig “Tut” Tuthill’s remarkable career and retirement; 4. Alerts – New reportband.gov link and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza; 5. News – Foundational science in flight...
Authors
Kyra Harvey
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center
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Science

Tracking migratory movements with satellite telemetry.

USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

This project focuses on tracking wild birds throughout Eurasia via satellite telemetry to better understand their spatiotemporal movement patterns, relationship to domestic birds, and potential role in the spread, persistence, and amplification of avian influenza viruses.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, International Programs
USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

USGS Wild Bird Avian Influenza Program – Studies from Endemic Regions of Eurasia

This project focuses on tracking wild birds throughout Eurasia via satellite telemetry to better understand their spatiotemporal movement patterns, relationship to domestic birds, and potential role in the spread, persistence, and amplification of avian influenza viruses.
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Telemetry tracks for 42 Blue-winged Teal over grid depicting poultry abundance

Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Understanding disease systems requires an understanding of the basic ecology of host species. USGS is involved in global efforts to explore the movements of bird species that are hosts of avian influenza as well as the potential impacts of changing landscapes on avian influenza.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), International Programs
Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Understanding disease systems requires an understanding of the basic ecology of host species. USGS is involved in global efforts to explore the movements of bird species that are hosts of avian influenza as well as the potential impacts of changing landscapes on avian influenza.
Learn More
Hands hold up brown goose wearing a brown GPS collar

Using Global Telemetry to Understand Avian Movement and Migration

USGS researchers are collaborating with partners around the globe to leverage new and existing telemetry data to answer broad scale questions about factors influencing avian movement and migration.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Bird Banding Laboratory, International Programs
Using Global Telemetry to Understand Avian Movement and Migration

Using Global Telemetry to Understand Avian Movement and Migration

USGS researchers are collaborating with partners around the globe to leverage new and existing telemetry data to answer broad scale questions about factors influencing avian movement and migration.
Learn More
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